Confessions of an Optimist

Much like our recent guest, Dr. Lisa Toppin, I’ve always been the glass-half-full kind of person. I mean we started a podcast to amplify women in financial services, an industry where only 25% are represented in the workforce. Some would argue that the audience for this is way too small, but we understood the importance and potential impact. This inherent optimism has been a constant companion throughout my career, a trusty compass pointing towards possibility and potential. But like any powerful force, unchecked optimism can sometimes lead you astray. So, here I am, offering my confessions – the joys and the jolts of navigating the professional landscape with a perpetually hopeful heart.

The Good:

When starting a new job or embarking on a fresh project, my optimism is my superpower. It fuels my enthusiasm, allows me to envision success, and fosters my creativity. That initial burst of "I can do this!" is often the very rocket fuel that gets me off the ground. I see the potential for growth, the exciting challenges, and the opportunity to make a real impact. This positive outlook can be infectious, inspiring colleagues and creating a more collaborative and energetic environment. 

WomenShare Podcast is a perfect example of this. I didn't know what direction it would go in, but I knew it was something the financial services industry needed. My optimism was the driving force behind the creative brainstorming sessions, the fine-tuning of the strategy, and the unwavering belief that we were on the cusp of something really unique and impactful. This positive energy undoubtedly contributed to the getting the team on board.

The (potential) Pitfalls:

However, the flip side of this bright coin is the potential for blind spots. My eagerness to see the best in a situation can sometimes cloud my judgment. I might overlook potential pitfalls, underestimate the time and resources required, or even ignore early warning signs that a project isn't going as planned. Many times in my career, I kept pushing towards a goal, because I saw the value even if my superiors did not. And that oftentimes lead to disappointment.

In the past I have built marketing programs that were arguably successful but faced its share of challenges. My initial optimism led me to perhaps downplay the challenges of creating something sustainable long-term that the organization I was working for would invest in. While my belief in the end goal kept me motivated, a more grounded perspective early on might have allowed us to proactively address these issues and avoid putting all my eggs in that proverbial basket. Because in the end, regardless of the success, it wouldn't get the support it needed to thrive. And that was out of my control.

This is where the tightrope walk begins. How do we maintain that vital spark of optimism – the belief in ourselves and the potential for success – without letting it obscure the reality of the situation? How do we embrace the "yes, we can!" attitude while also keeping a keen eye on the "but what if…?" scenarios?

Here are a few lessons I’ve learned on this ongoing journey of balancing optimism with pragmatism:

1. Embrace Optimism, But Do Your Homework: Enthusiasm is fantastic, but it needs to be grounded in research and due diligence. Before diving headfirst into a new venture, take the time to thoroughly understand the landscape, identify potential challenges, and assess the resources available. Optimism shouldn't replace careful planning; it should enhance it.

2. Seek Diverse Perspectives: My optimistic lens can sometimes filter out dissenting opinions or critical feedback. Actively seeking out and valuing the perspectives of others – especially those who might have a more cautious or analytical approach – can provide a much-needed reality check. Constructive criticism isn't a personal attack; it's an opportunity to refine your vision.

3. Define Clear Metrics and Milestones: Optimism can sometimes be vague and aspirational. By establishing clear, measurable goals and milestones, you create tangible checkpoints to assess progress. If the data consistently indicates a deviation from the plan, it's a signal to re-evaluate, regardless of how optimistic you might feel.

4. Practice "Realistic Optimism": This isn't about abandoning hope; it's about acknowledging potential difficulties while still maintaining a belief in your ability to navigate them. It's about saying, "This will be challenging, but I am confident we can find a solution," rather than simply assuming everything will magically fall into place.

5. Be Prepared to Pivot: The most successful careers and projects are often those that can adapt to changing circumstances. Don't let your initial optimistic vision become so rigid that you're unwilling to adjust course when necessary. Recognizing when a pivot is needed isn't a sign of failure; it's a sign of strategic thinking and resilience.

My journey as an optimist in the professional world is far from over. There will undoubtedly be more moments of soaring enthusiasm and perhaps a few more gentle (or not-so-gentle) nudges back to reality. This podcast has breathed so much optimistic life into me and my career. The women who come on the podcast to share their stories and what they are doing to bring about change, makes me even more optimistic! I wouldn't trade my inherent hopefulness for anything. The key, I've learned, is to harness its power intelligently, to pair it with a healthy dose of realism, and to always be open to learning and adapting along the way. It's a tightrope walk, yes, but the view from up here – with a hopeful heart and clear vision – is truly worth it.